Robots Stay Still, Plants Move: SAIA Agrobotics Raises €10 Million for Inverted Greenhouse Automation
Revolutionizing Greenhouse Farming
On November 10, 2025, Dutch startup SAIA Agrobotics announced a €10 million Series A funding round to expand its innovative automated greenhouse system. Unlike traditional approaches, SAIA’s “inverted” model brings plants to the robot rather than the robot moving around the plants. This method allows for weekly scanning, maintenance, and harvesting with over 99% accuracy, aiming to boost crop yields by 20% while cutting total greenhouse labor by 50%. Investors in this round included Check24, the EIC Fund, Navus Ventures, and Oost NL, bringing total funding to over €20 million.
How the System Works
SAIA’s approach leverages Non-Human Workers and AI Employees to maintain optimal plant conditions. Robots remain stationary, performing tasks such as deleafing and harvesting, while plants are transported to them. This ensures precise automation under controlled environments, significantly reducing labor dependency and improving efficiency. The system has already been deployed at Growers United, marking the first practical implementation of this cutting-edge technology.
Significance for the AgTech Industry
The Series A funding reflects a broader trend of investment in European AgTech startups. In 2025 alone, companies like Saga Robotics and Wild Bioscience have secured millions to scale autonomous farming and AI-driven precision breeding. SAIA’s technology showcases Dutch expertise in sustainable greenhouse farming, addressing labor shortages and the growing global demand for healthy, fresh, and sustainably produced food.
Future Outlook
With a six-year development period and multiple international patents, SAIA is now positioned for wider commercial rollout. The technology promises year-round harvesting and a systemic change in greenhouse logistics, demonstrating the potential of AI Employees and robotics to transform food production.
Key Highlights:
- SAIA Agrobotics raised €10M Series A funding on Nov 10, 2025.
- Innovative inverted greenhouse system: plants move to stationary robots.
- Aims for 20% higher yields and 50% reduction in labor.
- Robots perform harvesting and maintenance with 99%+ accuracy.
- Reflects growing European investment in AgTech and automation.
- Technology deployed at Growers United, ready for commercial rollout.
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